Operation Cakewalk

By Chris Glatte

A tiny island with a deadly secret. An Army platoon struggling to survive.

First Sergeant Carver, Corporal O'Connor and the rest of the 'Americal Division' are on their way to fight in the northern Solomon islands. Enroute, a platoon is tasked with a seemingly simple search and destroy misson on a tiny island.

Led by Carver and O'Connor, they are not prepared for the deadly secret hidden deep within the heart of the island.

This action packed, combat heavy novella will keep you turning the pages.

Get your combat fix today!

• Language: English
• Publisher: Chris Glatte
• Release date: Nov 18, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386509110

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

First Sergeant Carver chewed his wet stogie and looked out over the endless blue ocean. He didn’t need to be on deck, but the stifling air where the rest of the regiment berthed was making his stomach turn. The fresh breeze off the water made him close his eyes and he took a deep breath.

They’d left the island paradise of Fiji a day before and were making good headway towards their next hellhole destination, somewhere in the Northern Solomon Islands. He didn’t dwell on where they were headed. He knew it would be hot, full of unpleasant insects and wildlife and Japanese soldiers wanting to end his life. The destination didn’t matter. It was one more step on the road to Tokyo. One more place for his men to die. One more place that would haunt him for the rest of his life.

He leaned over the rail looking down at the passing sea. The waves came off the hull in white strings leading back the way they’d come. It looked beautiful. A place he’d be thrilled to be if he wasn’t fighting a war.

He eyed the soggy stogie. There was only an inch left and it was coming apart between his thick, gnarled fingers. He threw it over the side, noting it was his second to last cigar.

He heard a commotion behind him and saw Corporal O’Connor arguing with the guard at the entrance way. The soldier had his hand up, blocking O’Connor’s way. Carver could see the anger rising in O’Connor’s face. The guard did too, stepped back and unslung his rifle. Before he could bring it to bear, O’Connor grabbed the barrel tight. He leaned into the guard, only inches away. Carver couldn’t hear what he said, but it turned the soldier’s face pale.

Carver thought he’d better avert the poor young man’s early death. He strode over, stood behind the guard, and bellowed, What’s the meaning of detaining the corporal, soldier?

The young private looked over his shoulder, and the relief of having support flooded his face. I have orders not to let anyone up here without proper rank.

First Sergeant Carver nodded and put his hand on the private’s shoulder, Step aside before you get hurt, soldier. He’s with me. I’ll vouch for him.

The guard sprang to the side, happy to get out of the corporal’s deadly stare. Yes, Sergeant.

Corporal O’Connor sneered as he passed the guard. Carver put his hand on O’Connor’s shoulder and they walked to the edge of the ship. O’Connor took a deep breath. The air down there’s getting downright nasty. He shook his head. I swear the swabbies feed us beans just to punish us.

Carver laughed, You’re probably right. He leaned onto the rail and sent a stream of spit into the wake far below. The men seem okay though.

O’Connor nodded, Yeah, they’re tough, probably be happy to meet the enemy after this shitty cruise. He took a deep breath. Love the smell of the ocean. Carver nodded and O’Connor continued, That’s not why I’m up here though. Carver turned to face him and O’Connor said, Brass met with our junior officers and they’re looking for you. Carver raised his eyebrows. Something’s up, they wanna meet you and the other NCOs on the fantail in ten minutes.

Carver turned back to the sea and nodded. Well, shit.

***

Thirty minutes later the short briefing was over. General Radcliffe had been succinct and to the point. The men were in stunned shock as he left. Now Captain Flannigan, the C.O. of Able Company stood before them with his hands on his hips. He grinned like a deranged clown. He looked the men over like he was choosing apples at a fruit stand. Everyone except my company are free to go.

There was a flurry of relief and backslaps as the majority of the seated men stood and walked off. They looked at the remaining men with pity.

A Staff Sergeant from Charlie Company slapped Carver’s shoulder as he passed. It’s a shitty job but you could use the exercise, First Sergeant.

Carver squinted up at him, Fuck you, Larry. The first sergeant laughed and weaved his way through the men, smiling at his good fortune.

When the only men remaining were Able Company officers and NCOs, Captain Flannigan bellowed, Like the general said, this should be a cakewalk. I don’t think it’ll require more than a platoon sized force. He looked the men over. Carver knew his platoon would be chosen before Flannigan confirmed it for him.

Captain Flannigan found Second Lieutenant Swan. Lieutenant Swan,

The thin as a rail Lieutenant Swan braced and sprang to his feet. Yes sir, present, sir.

Captain Flannigan sneered, I’m not taking roll call, lieutenant. The other officers grinned and shook their heads.

First Sergeant Carver gritted his teeth. This is the numbnuts I get to deal with?

Captain Flannigan continued, happy with his jibe. You’re sitting this one out. I want you to choose the men you feel are most suited to the job and have a list of names to me in the next hour.

The relief flooding Lieutenant Swan’s face was obvious. He stammered, Yes sir. Within an hour, sir.

CHAPTER TWO

The next day, a small freighter that looked like it had been plying the waters of the Pacific for far longer than he’d been alive pulled alongside and started flashing code.

First Sergeant Carver and Corporal O’Connor watched it slicing through the shallow swells, keeping pace with the faster troop ship. There was a covered gun emplacement on the bow, which looked out of place alongside the civilian-like rusted gunwales and deck anchors.

Second platoon sat watching the boat flash its signals. There was an answering flash, and they could feel the ship slowing. The multiple ships of the fleet slowed as well, but maintained their track toward the Northern solomons.

Since they weren’t offloading the entire regiment the Navy didn’t bother with hanging cumbersome nets off the side of the ship. Instead, they intended to load the life boats with men and gear and lower them to the undulating sea. They’d motor to the tiny container ship and use the grappling ropes of their own evacuation boats to pull them aboard.

After two hours, the transfer was complete. First Sergeant Carver stood on the deck and noticed rusted rivets and peeling paint. A tall gray-haired officer approached. Carver called the men to attention and saluted. Welcome aboard, First Sergeant. I’m Captain Hayes. He extended his leathery hand and Carver shook it. That went a lot smoother than I expected.

Carver nodded, Yessir, piece of cake.

The captain glanced across the way as the large troop ship hoisted the evacuation boats back onto the ship. The single seaman in each held on as they swayed and rocked, dripping seawater. Captain Hayes indicated a sailor standing behind him. Ensign Walker here will show you men below. It’ll be cramped, but it’ll only be tonight and tomorrow. We’ll stow your gear topside in a secure container.

Carver scowled and said, I’d like to keep our weapons handy, sir. My men aren’t used to being apart from ‘em.

The captain smiled and nodded. I understand, sergeant. That won’t be a problem.

Carver nodded back, doubting the merchant marine captain understood. If that’s all sir, I’ll accompany the men below.

The captain’s face went serious. Once you’re secure we’ll put this old girl into overdrive and make some miles. He saw Carver’s doubtful look and continued. She doesn’t look like much on the outside, but she’s got an overpowered engine and can make better speed than any boat the navy’s got. He grinned. Excluding the PT boats, of course. Hayes continued. We need to be well ahead of the fleet or your mission won’t make any sense.

Carver nodded. I was wondering about that, sir. The Lucy Ann must be much faster than she looks.

Captain Hayes slapped his shoulder and smiled, You’ll see, first sergeant, you’ll see.

***

Once the men were spread out amongst the hastily prepared bunks, Carver called for their attention. The noise level dropped immediately and they all turned to listen.

You’re all wondering what the hell’s happening, so listen up. We’re moving ahead of the fleet tonight. When we wake in the morning we’ll be miles ahead of the other ships. We’ll be alone, but Captain Hayes is confident this rust bucket can outrun any enemy shipping that happens by. The men exchanged glances, and Carver continued. Our mission is to be put ashore on a tiny island. It’s so small, in fact, it doesn’t even have a name. It’s dominated by a high peak. There’s a Jap observation post up there that will be able to see the passing fleet. The Nips manning it will radio their pals and know we’re coming. The Japs are on their heels, but they can still mount attacks, and the brass doesn’t want to take the chance. So, it’s up to us to take out the OP.

The men started whispering and talking amongst themselves. The buzz in the confined area increased until Carver yelled, Quiet down! When he had their attention again, he continued. Most of the island is cliffs, but there’s a tiny beach the flyboys identified that should work. We’ll offload, move inland and do the job. He looked around the room. Any questions? Four GI’s hands went up. Carver ignored them and nodded. Good. See you in the morning. He turned and walked out.

***

Carver was impressed. The old rust bucket could really move. He was summoned by Captain Hayes to the bridge. Carver stood outside the doorway peering in, not sure how to get the captain’s attention.

Hayes and the crew weren’t Navy men, but merchant marines. Carver didn’t know whether the same military courtesies applied, but he thought he should error on the side of caution.

He cleared his throat and said, Permission to enter, sir?

Ensign Walker and Captain Hayes both stopped what they were doing and looked at him. Captain Hayes smiled and gestured him inside. Come in sergeant. Welcome to the brains of the ship.

Carver strode in and stood behind them looking out over the bow. It was evening and the breeze coming through the open windows was pleasant. The sea shimmered in the evening light. Hayes noticed him staring. Beautiful time of day. That wind you’re feeling is thanks to the thirty knots we’re making. Carver nodded. Hayes said, Told you she was fast. He gestured behind, We’re well away from the fleet. By morning we’ll be off the coast of your little island. We’re right on schedule. We’ll drop you and your men at first light. You’ll have the better part of two days to complete your mission before the fleet catches up. Plenty of time. Should be a cakewalk. First Sergeant Carver grimaced but didn’t reply.

Captain Hayes slapped his back and laughed, Don’t look so worried, sergeant. You’ll be in and out of there in no time. The Jap observer won’t have a clue we’re here until it’s too late. After you’ve dealt with him, you’ll have the rest of the day to lounge on the beach and work on your tan.

Carver wasn’t convinced. Excuse my skepticism, but this sort of thing rarely goes as planned, sir.

Captain Hayes put a large pair of black binoculars to his eyes and scanned the horizon. We’ll wake you when it’s time to debark. We’ll put you on shore the same way we transferred you, using the life boats. The men manning the boats will stay on the island with you. No use having them come all the way back here without you. Carver nodded. Our mess hall’s not equipped to feed your platoon, but we’ll do what we can. Have the men eat in ten man shifts. He let the binoculars drop and looked back at Carver. Any questions?

Carver shook his head, No sir.

"Good, see you in